CHRISTIANITY DAILY

Oregon Legislature Passes Bill Expanding Access to Abortion and Reproductive Health Services

Jul 14, 2017

A bill in Oregon State that requires private insurance to cover the cost of abortion procedures was passed by the Oregon Senate on July 5. House Bill 3391, also named the Reproductive Health Equity Act, now awaits signature by Governor Kate Brown.

Eugene Peterson, Translator of The Message Bible, Retracts Comments on Same-Sex Marriage

Jul 13, 2017

Eugene Peterson, most known for his authorship of The Message translation of the Bible, released a statement on Thursday afternoon retracting a comment he made during an earlier interview that he would perform a same-sex marriage today if he were asked.

What Actions Can the Immigrant Community Take to Respond to Enforcement? Advocates Weigh In

Jul 12, 2017

For those in the immigrant community, the numerous reports of raids by enforcement officials may give rise to a greater sense of fear. But immigrant rights advocates say there are still actions that individuals can take in response to, and in preparation for, such encounters.

What Impact Is the Church Having on the Country? Majority of Americans Believe It's a Positive One

Jul 12, 2017

Over the years, a majority of Americans have said they believe the impact of churches on the nation is a positive one, and according to a study released on Monday, that view hasn’t shifted much.

Hobby Lobby to Forfeit Thousands of Bible Artifacts and Pay $3 Million

Jul 11, 2017

Hobby Lobby, the arts-and-crafts store operated by a Christian family which gained most of its publicity from a religious freedom case at the Supreme Court in 2014, has recently been gaining media attention once again — but this time, under accusations of smuggling biblical artifacts.

When Religious and Sexual Freedoms Conflict, Which Is More Important? Americans Split, Study Shows

Jul 05, 2017

Though almost half (48 percent) of Americans believe that religious freedom is more important when it conflicts with sexual freedom, still, the other half either believe that sexual freedom should come first (24 percent) or are not sure (28 percent), according to a study by LifeWay Research published on June 27.

Supreme Court Rules Church Preschool Should Have Access to State Grant Program

Jul 03, 2017

The highest court in the nation ruled that the state of Missouri had violated the constitutional rights of a church by disqualifying it from receiving a public benefit simply on the basis that it is a church.

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Baker's Religious Objection to Provide Same-Sex Wedding Cake

Jun 28, 2017

The U.S. Supreme Court has announced on Monday that it would hear a case involving a Colorado Christian baker who declined to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, one which many argue may lead to implications for businesses across the country.

Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of Iraqi Christians

Jun 26, 2017

A federal judge issued a temporary stay on Thursday for more than 100 Iraqi nationals, including Christians, who were arrested during immigration raids that occurred in Detroit earlier this month.

Texas Governor Signs Bill Protecting Religious Child Welfare Agencies

Jun 16, 2017

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill on Thursday that would allow religious child welfare agencies to operate according to its religious beliefs without fear of penalty.

Iraqi Christians in the U.S. Arrested for Potential Deportation

Jun 14, 2017

Dozens of Iraqi nationals have been arrested for potential deportation, many of them including Christians, in Detroit on Sunday, according to numerous reports. Many estimates say about 40 have been arrested, while some reports estimate as many as 80.

Supreme Court Unanimously Rules Religious Hospitals Exempt from Pension Law

Jun 07, 2017

Religiously affiliated hospitals, as well as other religious non-profit organizations, are exempt from the requirements of a federal pension law, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled on Monday.

Texas Legislature Approves Bill to Protect ‘Religious Refusal’ for Adoption Agencies

May 31, 2017

The Texas legislature has approved a bill that would allow religious adoption agencies to refuse to provide services to individuals based on their “sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Texas Governor Signs Bill to Protect Pastors and Their Sermons from Government Subpoenas

May 24, 2017

At a ceremony which took place at a church on Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that prohibits the government from compelling clergy to testify regarding their sermons, or to produce copies of their sermons for a civil or administrative proceeding.

Tennessee Sued by Same-Sex Couples for 'Natural and Ordinary Meaning' Law

May 23, 2017

Four same-sex female couples have filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee, arguing that a law recently passed in the state will hinder their rights as parents.